Omicron subvariant BA.2 detected in Ontario
Health officials say they've detected at least 15 cases of the COVID-19 Omicron subvariant BA.2 in Ontario.
Public Health Ontario released the latest data on Friday afternoon, saying that eight of the cases were identified between Jan. 1, 2021 and Dec. 11, 2021, while the seven remaining cases were found between Dec. 12, 2021 and Jan. 8, 2022.
BA.2 is a descendant of the highly transmissible Omicron variant and has been found in at least 40 countries so far. It was first detected in November last year.
While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not yet dubbed BA.2 a "variant of concern," it is tracking its spread.
The subvariant is widely considered stealthier than the original version because particular genetic traits make it somewhat harder to detect. Some scientists have expressed worry that it could also be more contagious.
It is not yet clear whether it evades vaccines better or causes more severe disease.
The Omicron variant, B.1.1.529, has four sub-lineages: BA.1, BA.1.1, BA.2 and BA.3.
Seven of the 15 cases in Ontario are from Toronto. Public Health Ontario did not identify the location of the remaining eight cases.
Toronto Top Stories
-
-
CTV News Investigates
CTV News Investigates | Dozens of MPP investment properties surge to more than $36 million as Ontario housing affordability worsens
-
-
-
-
-
-
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING | Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4% approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party, and premier of Alberta, Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
Ed Fast out as Tory finance critic after criticizing leadership candidate Poilievre
Ed Fast is no longer the Conservative finance critic, interim party leader Candice Bergen says. Bergen said in a statement late Wednesday that Fast informed her he will be 'stepping away from his duties.'
Trudeau says Ottawa watching Quebec's proposed changes to language law 'carefully'
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is watching 'carefully' how Quebec's Bill 96 is playing out provincially and respects the freedom of members of Parliament to protest it.
Four things Canadians can do to save money on their groceries during inflation
With Statistics Canada reporting a 9.7 per cent increase in food costs over the last year, Canadians are being pushed to find ways to pinch pennies at the grocery stores. Here are some ways to save.
Crown wants Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich returned to jail to await trial
Crown prosecutors want Ottawa protest organizer Tamara Lich sent back to jail to await trial, claiming she breached her bail conditions by agreeing to participate in an event next month where she will receive a 'Freedom Award.'
'Suffer in silence:' Experts worry of fallout from public reaction to Amber Heard's testimony
As Johnny Depp's defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard stretches into its fifth week, experts say public reaction to Heard's testimony sends a perilous reminder that despite the 'MeToo' movement, the credibility of alleged victims of abuse can be fragile.
'Somebody out there is missing this child': Remains of young girl found in water in Dunnville, Ont.
Provincial police announced Wednesday the human remains found in the water in Dunnville, Ont., the day before are that of a young girl.
Conservative party investigating complaint by Patrick Brown team about racist email
The Conservative Party of Canada is investigating a complaint lodged by Patrick Brown's leadership campaign about a racist email it says it received from a member.
Prince Charles, Camilla visit Ukrainian church in Ottawa on second day of royal tour
Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, lit candles and listened to a prayer service on Wednesday inside a gilded Ukrainian Orthodox cathedral in Ottawa, while congregants and onlookers waved blue-and-yellow flags and Union Jacks outside.
Montreal
-
Legault says English health-care worries over Bill 96 are 'disinformation'; experts disagree
Peppered with questions on Bill 96, Legault said there's been 'disinformation' spreading, in his opinion -- and that on one important question, health care, many critics of the bill are wrong. In fact, the bill is confusing on that point and the details still haven't been fully explained.
-
Suspected monkeypox cases detected in Montreal
Suspected cases of monkeypox are under investigation in the Montreal area as more reports of infections of the rare disease are popping up globally in recent weeks.
-
Quebec health workers will no longer be paid for COVID-19 isolation leave
Quebec health-care staff got another surprise this week when they learned they can no longer get paid time off for COVID-19 isolation, but need to use up their sick days or vacation days while awaiting a test result.
London
-
London police warn the public after man charged with sexual assault released from custody
London police are warning the public Wednesday after a man charged with multiple sexual assault offences was released following a court appearance.
-
'There is kindness out there': local woman reunited with stolen polar bear statue
A woman who had her polar bear statue stolen from her front garden last week has managed to get it back in what was a heartfelt reunion on Wednesday.
-
'Brandon has been shot': London police investigating early morning shooting
London, Ont. police are investigating an overnight shooting in the city.
Kitchener
-
'Somebody out there is missing this child': Remains of young girl found in water in Dunnville, Ont.
Provincial police announced Wednesday the human remains found in the water in Dunnville, Ont., the day before are that of a young girl.
-
Assault charges withdrawn against Kitchener teacher accused of taping students
The woman was charged with two counts of assault in November after an investigation into “allegations she taped two children with masking tape while in the classroom,” Waterloo regional police said at the time.
-
All aboard! Retiree buys 'cheapest home in the GTA' -- a caboose
No bedroom, no bathroom, no kitchen. Why one retiree decided to buy -- and live -- in a caboose.
Northern Ontario
-
COVID-19 cases falling in Algoma
As festivals and events return to in-person formats, memories of COVID-19 may not necessarily be top of mind for people as they make summer plans.
-
Timmins microbrewery honoured at beer awards in Alberta
A microbrewery in Timmins has taken bronze at the Canadian Brewing Awards in Calgary.
-
Ill hiker extracted from Ontario park by helicopter
The Royal Canadian Air Force came to the rescue Monday after a hiker needed urgent medical assistance while in Algonquin Provincial Park, located northeast of Huntsville, Ont.
Ottawa
-
Prince Charles and Camilla spend the day in Ottawa
Prince Charles and his wife Camilla had a busy itinerary in Ottawa on Day 2 of their visit to Canada, running behind schedule for much of the day, but patient royal watchers were thrilled to meet them.
-
Here's when gas prices will drop below $2 a litre in Ottawa
Gas prices are set to fall 13 cents a litre over the next two days, giving drivers some relief at the pumps ahead of the Victoria Day long weekend.
-
Crown wants Freedom Convoy organizer Tamara Lich returned to jail to await trial
Crown prosecutors want Ottawa protest organizer Tamara Lich sent back to jail to await trial, claiming she breached her bail conditions by agreeing to participate in an event next month where she will receive a 'Freedom Award.'
Windsor
-
'Tasteless' poster at LaSalle high school taken down following concern from parents
A LaSalle mom is expressing concern online over a “tasteless” poster in a classroom at her daughter’s school.
-
Instagram scam using real accounts to trick victims seemingly on the rise
Like many on social media, Bianca Havenga uses her Instagram for the occasional selfie and to share personal updates with her close friends — so she didn't suspect anything when one of her co-workers seemingly messaged her, asking for help.
-
New by-law drone to take flight in Leamington
Leamington by-law officers will soon be using drones to get a bird’s eye view of any problems.
Barrie
-
Paul Sadlon testifies in sexual assault trial
Paul Sadlon took the stand in a Barrie courtroom Wednesday to deny allegations that he sexually assaulted a woman after a business meeting in 2019.
-
Mixed reviews over proposed short-term rental bylaw
Tiny Township is bringing in regulations to deal with the ever-growing popularity of short-term rentals, but not everyone is pleased with the solution.
-
Canada-wide warrant issued for federal offender who could be in Simcoe County
A Canada-wide warrant has been issued for a federal offender known to frequent areas of Simcoe County.
Atlantic
-
Chantel Moore shot by N.B. police officer in chest, abdomen and leg, inquest hears
Chantel Moore, a 26-year-old Indigenous woman killed by police in New Brunswick in June 2020, was shot twice in the chest, once in the abdomen and once in her left leg, the pathologist who conducted an autopsy on her said Wednesday.
-
Former RCMP staff sergeant describes spotty radio, lack of resources in N.S. shooting
A Mountie who led much of the response to the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting testified Wednesday that spotty radio service and the lack of an RCMP helicopter were among the equipment problems that hampered the manhunt.
-
Halifax police release identity of 37-year-old stabbing victim
Halifax Regional Police have released the identity of a woman who died after she was stabbed early Tuesday morning.
Calgary
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4% approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party, and premier of Alberta, Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
-
Red Lot cancelled for Game 1 due to high winds
Flames fans suffered a setback before a single puck was dropped Wednesday night in the opening game of the Battle of Alberta.
-
Youth arrested after incident involving firearm at Calgary high school
Authorities say they seized a firearm and arrested a youth in connection with an incident at a northwest Calgary high school.
Winnipeg
-
'Kindness and innocence': Parents remember daughter killed in crash with alleged drunk driver
The parents of a 24-year-old woman killed in a crash involving an alleged drunk driver earlier this month are remembering their daughter for her kindness and willingness to help others.
-
Multiple bridges seriously damaged in flash floods, more rain on the way for Manitoba
Manitoba is bracing for more rain as it works to repair multiple bridges that were seriously damaged in flash floods over the weekend.
-
Police charge Winnipeg man with multiple child pornography offences
The Winnipeg Police Service has charged a 69-year-old man with multiple offences following an investigation into child sexual abuse imagery that spanned multiple months.
Vancouver
-
Museum controversy continues to dominate B.C. politics
For a third day, Opposition leader Kevin Falcon hammered John Horgan's government for a Royal B.C. Museum project that will take eight years and cost taxpayers $789 million.
-
B.C. mom who suffocated 8-year-old daughter loses appeal of sentence
A B.C. woman who was convicted of killing her eight-year-old daughter by suffocating her with a plastic bag has lost her bid to have her sentence reduced, according to a decision from the B.C. Court of Appeal.
-
JetBlue nixes planned nonstop flights between Vancouver and Boston
JetBlue was scheduled to begin offering flights between Vancouver and Boston next month, but has decided to cancel that route amid "ongoing refinements" to the airline's summer schedule.
Edmonton
-
BREAKING
BREAKING | Jason Kenney steps down after 51.4% approval in leadership review
Jason Kenney quit as leader of his party, and premier of Alberta, Wednesday night after receiving a slight majority of support in his United Conservative Party leadership review.
-
Where to watch the Battle of Alberta in Edmonton
If you want to watch the Battle of Alberta series with thousands of fans, you have a few options in Edmonton.
-
Battle of Alberta's big winner? Local children's charities
Children in Edmonton and beyond will be the winners in the the Battle of Alberta. The team has announced that proceeds from the Mega 50/50 jackpot in Round 2 will benefit the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation, which supports kids sport charities in the community.